By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Bella Point’s new Activities Director Topher Sakofsky posted on social media he was looking for ideas to reconnect residents with the community, Brogan Howard instantly had an idea.

“How cool would it be to bring a food cart there?” she wondered.

Howard knew exactly who to ask.

She contacted Anthony McDermond — operator of the popular Wolfie’s Links food truck, located in the Food City parking lot.

When she popped the question, the response was immediate, “Yes.” When she then started to consider ways to raise some money to purchase the food items Anthony needed, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

“He said, ‘Absolutely not. I’m going to donate the whole night.’ That was huge,” Brogan said.

So, Brogan jumped on the bandwagon and decided her family would provide the desserts. She baked off some 150 dessert pieces, and included her children in the process, feeling it was a good lesson to learn the importance of making positive contributions to one’s community.

She also hoped, like Anthony, to bring smiles to residents’ faces.

“I think people in facilities get forgotten, and they get lonely,” she said. “Like anybody, they want to feel like they matter.”

About a month ago, Topher Sakofsky was hired as the new Activities Director at the assisted living center off Portland Road. He held a Resident Council meeting to find out what folks wanted to see.

“Everybody that came in opened up and said what they liked, what they didn’t like, what they wanted to see. Some of it was food choices, some of it was activity choices. We were able to meet them halfway on just about everything,” he said. “Residents are saying they’re happier, that the place is running smoother and they’re eating what they want to eat.”

What became very apparent to Topher was the need for Bella Point to reconnect with the local community.

Out of safety and necessity during the Covid pandemic, the facility limited public access. Now four years later, there still seems to be a sense of isolation.

Topher wants to change the atmosphere. So, he is reaching out to the public. He would like to lure musicians (six different live entertainers are scheduled for next month) and artists, but would also welcome individuals willing to simply read a book, help with a puzzle, color a picture, or play a game of cribbage. A hairdresser is needed.

“I am open to anything. Everybody has their own talent. Just come in, sit, share and talk,” Topher said as he picked up two food boxes and placed them on a cart, soon to be wheeled to eagerly awaiting residents inside. “We’re all called to love one another, so we’re opening up these doors and letting the community in. It’s been a long time. Our doors have been closed for a long time, so it’s now time to kick’em open. Interaction is crucial to their mental health. They often feel forgotten. They just want to feel seen and heard. We want to create a happier place for them.”

It’s the little things that matter.

Like deciding what to put on a gourmet red snapper (hot dog) — be it the usual condiments (ketchup, mustard and/or relish) or spice it up with some chili.

“Going to a food truck is something we do without much thought,” Topher said. “They (residents) don’t have that luxury. They can’t just get up and go.”

Which is why Anthony McDermond jumped at the invitation to roll out Wolfie’s Links right outside of the Bella Point main entrance last Wednesday.

“When Brogan reached out to me, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ Why not? I think that’s the main thing here that drives me is ‘why not?’ It’s not about gaining anything. It’s about helping. In short, why not?” Anthony said. “This is what I do. I’m happy to provide. Business models chase the money. What they should be doing is chasing doing the right thing. This is called doing the right thing. I think that’s what we’ve lost in today’s society. I don’t often always have the time to come up with great ideas like this. Brogan brought an idea to me, and I loved it. I think it’s great to support a place like Bella Point.”

Some residents lined up at the food truck early hoping to get a jump on the special dinner.

“The folks that were able to come out to me, I loved it. I love customer interaction. I think they loved getting something a little different than they get most days,” Anthony said. “I love maybe bringing a little bit of joy and good energy into someone’s world. Hopefully, I did that. Some wanted to come back for seconds.”

With close to 60 orders to fill, Anthony worked his food truck magic, prepping French fries as ‘dogs’ sizzled. To keep orders straight, Anthony openly read out each slip as he filled cardboard boxes with food items.

Early word from diners was everything was “fantastic.” The lone complaint was some residents wondered “where’s my food?”

Staff members agreed, many folks dislike being off schedule, and “can get a little grumpy.”

Overall, the Wolfie experience was a complete success — hopefully the first of many for Bella Point residents.

As far as Topher Sakofsky is concerned, the possibilities to partner residents with the community is somewhat endless.

“We’re trying to get other businesses to jump in on it. I would like to get some of the residents out. We do have a van,” he said. “If the community wants to open up to us, we’re willing to listen.”